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🔥 What 44 Years in Youth Ministry Taught Mark Oestreicher (And the Wild Stories That Came With It!)

What happens when you spend over four decades leading youth ministry, mission trips, and messy lock-ins?

You get stories — some hilarious, some heartbreaking, and all packed with wisdom. In this episode, Nick Diliberto sits down with the one and only Marko (Mark Oestreicher), a youth ministry legend who’s seen it all.

From an accidentally inappropriate moment on a mission trip to the terrifying experience of losing a student, Marko shares the raw, real side of youth ministry — the laughter, the lessons, and the lasting impact it can have. Along the way, he reveals how coaching and mentorship can reignite a leader’s passion and help build youth ministries that actually last.

This conversation is more than nostalgia — it’s a masterclass in compassion, leadership, and finding grace in the chaos of ministry life.

👉 To learn more about Marko’s coaching program, go to www.theyouthcartel.com

Want to share your story on the podcast? Email us at content@ministrytoyouth.com

Email Annie your best youth ministry story at content@ministrytoyouth.com. The show is all about youth ministry leaders like you sharing their stories live on the podcast. We’d love to consider you as a future guest!

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